My Foundations in Christ
As far back as I can remember, my parents took me to church. It was enormous, a giant Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona where I lived until my parents divorced in 1994.
Yet I can still recall the mornings I spent in children’s church playing with nativity sets, Noah and his animals, and coloring scripture pages. I even chose to get baptized at the age of six, just happy to be at the front of the congregation in a small pool of spa temp water, not actually realizing what that really meant.
After forming those core memories, I was able to find a wonderful youth group in High School and fortunately I rededicated myself to my faith, at a time I needed purpose and guidance. I even strayed in college for a time, as I made my mistakes, dated unworthy men, and forged my own path. But Jesus stood on the sidelines, waiting for me to look His way, knowing I would eventually understand that He was the only way.
I’m not able to tell you how many times our family prayed together, or had bible study in our home, if we did it at all. Yet it makes me wonder if I would have had a better understanding of what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus and study the Word of God.
I’m honestly thankful for the exposure we had, even if it was just a “normal” thing for a family in the 80s to do, it had it’s impact on me and when I felt Him beckoning me to return to His flock it was familiar and comfortable. It’s in our nature to follow the influence of our peers and the world, and it’s too easy to fall into a life of selfishness, greed and corruption. But it is less so when a foundation in His teachings of love, kindness, forgiveness and faithfulness is introduced at an early age, and there are studies with evidence showing that 56% of Americans retain their childhood faith (www.pewresearch.org).
I believe it comes down to finding our community, our brothers and sisters in Christ that preach the gospel of Jesus and practices it well. I myself prefer non-denominational worship, a congregation that serves the local people, and a youth program that is strong and diverse.
Religion has taken a backseat for many families over the past two decades and loneliness, anxiety and depression have hit an all time high for many young men and women, especially in their teens. Lack of direction, purpose and guidance had led them to trust what they can see, and that notion is quite overwhelming in today’s world.
A foundation in Jesus offers a deeply-rooted sense of self and less chance of an identity crisis, plus a network of support that the Christian community provides.
Following Jesus is knowing He is always there, loving me right where I am, and guiding me when I open my heart to His word, then I know I can find peace, nomatter the circumstances.
